Hong Kong University Develops 3D Printed Airways for Burn Victims

High-degree burns often cause injuries to the respiratory tract. To treat inhalation injuries, cuts must be repaired and damaged tissue removed so that the healthy tissue can be reconnected. Researchers at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), alongside C2iTech and the Japanese conglomerate Hitachi, have developed a new approach to treat respiratory tract trauma: 3D-printed airways.

The first step for the researchers is to collect the patient’s own cells. Using a method developed at HKU, this process can be done with a single mouth swab. Using these stem cells, the scientists grow organoids, or “mini-organs,” in the laboratory that mimic the function and structure of a person’s biological organs. The researchers combine these with 3D-printed tissue to create personalized 3D-printed airways.

Fire victims often suffer injuries to the respiratory tract. (Image: Pixabay)

However, this proves to be extremely challenging, as Professor Michael Chan from the Center for Immunology and Infection points out: “Existing technologies allow the 3D printing of an airway using biomaterials. But without the cells, it cannot perform the functions of an airway.” The embedding of human cells is therefore a key element for the functioning of the airways.